Ruben Amorim

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      Struggling Hojlund has better conversion rate than Haaland and Salah but Man Utd boss Amorim must fix dilemma

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      RASMUS HOJLUND has a better chance conversion rate than Erling Haaland and Mo Salah since debuting for Manchester United last year.The forward, still only 21, joined the Red Devils for £72million in the summer of 2023, following a solitary season at Atalanta.Rasmus Hojlund has scored one Premier League goal this seasonCredit: GettyHojlund, 21, actually ranks as one of the Prem’s most accurate shootersCredit: ReutersHojlund arrived at Old Trafford with United desperate for a prolific striker.And while he has shown signs of promise, he has only scored 18 goals in 55 appearances for the Red Devils, 11 coming in the Premier League.Statistics show, however, that Hojlund is nowhere near solely to blame for his lack of goals.In fact, since making his United debut, he is among the Premier League’s deadliest finishers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHojlund has a conversion rate of 25.5 per cent, which puts him fourth in the Premier League over this period.Only Chris Wood (30.9), Jean-Philippe Mateta (28.8) and Hwang Hee-chan (27.5) have better conversion rates in that time.Manchester City goal-machine Erling Haaland is at 21.2 per cent, albeit on far higher volume.While Liverpool’s Mo Salah is on 18.3 per cent, again on far more attempts.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSErling Haaland receives far better service at Man City than Hojlund does at UnitedCredit: GettyHojlund’s chance conversion at United has been better than Mo Salah’s in the same periodCredit: GettySunSport revealed last weekend that Man Utd scouts were in attendance to watch Ruben Amorim’s former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres in action for Sweden.But with Amorim set to have to work with a reduced budget compared to his predecessor Erik ten Hag, he may have to prioritise getting more out of his current crop.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsSpeaking to the Telegraph, former Man Utd forward Dion Dublin pointed out that his old side don’t put in enough quality crosses for Hojlund.He said: “I still don’t agree with right-footers on the left and left-footers on the right.”If you’re (Alejandro) Garnacho on the left or Antony playing on the right, all your crosses are going into the keeper – if you’re on the other side they’re coming away from the keeper and you have more room then to adjust as a centre-forward.””You also get that reluctance to beat the man on the outside and if you are playing inverted you have an excuse to keep chopping back on to your good foot all the time, but there shouldn’t be any excuse to deliver end product.”The Telegraph also point out that Hojlund receives just 4.1 touches in the opposition box and 1.5 shots per game, compared to Haaland’s tallies of 7.1 and 4.5.Where United fans can hold hope, however, is with the work Amorim did with Gyokeres in Portugal.The striker was already a good player ahead of the move, having banged goals in for Coventry.But things went up another notch in Lisbon, with Gyokeres having netted an astonishing 66 times in 68 matches for Sporting.READ MORE SUN STORIESIrrespective of United’s transfer budget in upcoming windows, Hojlund will have an opportunity to prove that he can be the club’s prolific No9, and that they don’t need to fork out on Gyokeres or another star forward.And United fans will hope that he can now embark on a rich vein of form, starting this Sunday as Amorim takes charge of his first game away at Ipswich.Ruben Amorim did brilliant work with Viktor GyokeresCredit: PA More

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      Ruben Amorim’s backroom staff: Who are the coaches working alongside Man Utd boss?

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      RUBEN AMORIM is the sixth permanent manager Manchester United have appointed since club icon Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.The young Portugese coach follows David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat.Ruben Amorim joined Manchester United in November 2024Credit: GettyAmorim is highly thought of in the world of football after a very successful tenure at Sporting.In his first full season at the club, he guided the Portugese giants to a domestic double, including their first league title in 19 years.Sporting only suffered one defeat in Liga Portugal all campaign, which came on the penultimate weekend after they had already become champions.The season before Amorim joined Man Utd, he led the Lisbon club to a second league title in four years, developing some of the hottest talents in Europe, including goal machine Viktor Gyokores.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 39-year-old will be hoping he can replicate his success at Sporting in Manchester and end the post-Sir Alex Ferguson struggles at the club.But who has Amorim brought along for the journey at the Red Devils?Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd backroom staffRuben Amorim has brought SIX members of his Sporting backroom staff to Man Utd.All six worked alongside the Man Utd boss during his four-year spell at the Portugese giants.Most read in FootballCarlos Fernandes is Ruben Amorim’s assistant at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyCarlos Fernandes will be Amorim’s assistant head coach, the same job he occupied while working in Lisbon.The 30-year-old first linked up with the Red Devils gaffer at Casa Pia in 2018 – and the two have worked alongside each other since.In addition to Fernandes, Adelio Candido and Emanuel Ferro join Darren Fletcher and Andreas Georgson as Man Utd first-team coaches.Jorge Vital takes up the role of first-team goalkeeper coach – and will be assisted by Craig Mawson – while Paulo Barreira arrives as physical performance coach.Amorim has also brought 39-year-old analyst Eduardo Rosalino with him from Sporting. More

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      ‘She throws that in my face every day’ – Man Utd boss Amorim reveals his regret that wife Maria always brings up

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      RUBEN AMORIM shared his big regret that his wife Maria loves to tease him with.The new Manchester United boss is preparing for his first game in charge against Ipswich this weekend.Ruben Amiron revealed he is still teased by wife Maria over one thingCredit: D. RThe Man Utd boss shared his one big regretCredit: GettyIt has been a long journey to that position, from heartbreak at his release from Benfica as a teenager, to winning titles with the club he later re-joined in his career.His love for football and its priority in his life meant he was unable to complete his school exams – and he still regrets not having a better education.Amorim, 39, revealed he still gets teased by his wife, Maria Joao Diogo, for leaving school before taking his exams, aged 18.By then, the player who was released by Benfica as a youngster had already signed a professional contract with another Lisbon side, Belenenses.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAmorim told Portuguese paper Expresso: “I had an agreement with my mother.“I would continue at school until I signed a professional contract.“I signed when I was 17. Today, I regret it a lot. If I’d taken my exams, I could have done the 12th year.“I could also have entered a top college.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.“My wife is an electrotechnical engineer and she throws that in my face every day.”Maria is also an interior designer and she married Amorim in 2013 – the couple have two children together.A look at the build-up to Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Man Utd The couple got married in 2013 in front of 160 guests at a beautiful ceremony at the Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra.Together with Raquel Viana, she created Dois Tons, who offer interior, home staging, lighting, and turnkey projects as well as preparation of plans and layouts.Their website states that the objective is to design spaces in which “the client’s personality, needs and lifestyle become the pillar of the creative process”.Raquel Viana is the wife of Sporting Lisbon’s sporting director Hugo Viana.Viana will join Man City, where he will replace the departing Txiki Begiristain at the Etihad next season.Amorim and Viana’s wives run an interior design business together More

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      Man Utd joker Ruben Amorim is renowned for doing impressions of other managers and ‘clowning around’

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      NEW boss Ruben Amorim will be hoping to do more than just a good impersonation of a football manager at Manchester United.Yet behind the scenes, Amorim is known for being a good mimic.Ruben Amorim projects a laid-back and relaxed persona to the mediaCredit: GettyHe is known for doing impressions of other managers and generally joking aroundCredit: GettyIn fact, throughout his playing career at Belenenses and Benfica, Amorim was a massive joker and did impressions of his gaffers.And Amorim, 39, has kept his sense of humour.He said: “I’m a very jolly guy, but more within my closed circle. I was always given to clowning around — and I did it a lot.“I miss the changing room a lot because you are a child there. I only became an adult when I stopped playing football.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“But I’ve always played the clown and I’m good at imitating.“I often imitated Jorge Jesus [his ex-Benfica boss] and he knows it. Always with respect.“Once he went to a Uefa coaches meeting and missed training — and I took over training.“His assistant coach, the fitness coach, the physios, all came to see the session and see what I was like.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhat Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”Amorim’s cousin, Bruno Simao, said: “He loves imitating people and is very good at it. He’s really funny.”But new Man Utd manager Amorim also learnt something serious from former boss Jesus — that players can sometimes be given too much information by a coach.Man Utd divide fans with new ‘school playground’ free kick routine days after Ruben Amorim announcementHe told Portuguese paper Record: “He wanted to give a lot of information, so you have to have more time training and watching more videos.“It improved the team but exhausted a lot of players, so every two years he had to clean out the squad. Players can’t always take so much information.“Some can handle that pressure and others can’t.“Jorge is a coach who is tiring. It’s a lot of intensity and tactical information, every day loaded on to the player.“I worked a lot of years with him and it’s obvious that I have a similar level of work ethic to him.“But we have different personalities. I’ll be hard without being tiresome.“You have to create a link with players, always leave them with a positive thought, happy about training, about playing, so that they can put in a good performance.“All players feel it, but they also feel a great will during the game, when things are going well and you’re winning because you’re comfortable and have all the information.“That helps you a lot to be a better player. If you know the opponent and know what you have to do in every situation in the game, you go more freely on to the pitch.“A football coach isn’t like an engineer where you do this and it’s always right. No, you need a lot of chemistry with the group you have.“If you don’t have chemistry, you have a bad result.”Yet Amorim believes all managers should avoid social media.And he told Maisfutebol: “I don’t look at anything, because I can’t look. Anyone who is a coach shouldn’t look.“It’s impossible to stand all the comments and all that information. That’s why I don’t have it.“At the start, when I started to fall in love with my wife, it also helped me to change my life a bit and disappear from social networks.“That stuff about Instagram and Facebook, it seems it started a long time ago.“But when I was single that didn’t exist and now I thank God for that!”While Amorim is preparing for his huge test in English football, he still regrets not having a better education.And the Old Trafford supremo revealed he still gets teased by his wife, Maria Joao Diogo, for leaving school before taking his exams, aged 18.By then, the player who was released by Benfica as a youngster had already signed a professional contract with another Lisbon side, Belenenses.Amorim told Portuguese paper Expresso: “I had an agreement with my mother.“I would continue at school until I signed a professional contract.“I signed when I was 17. Today, I regret it a lot. If I’d taken my exams, I could have done the 12th year.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I could also have entered a top college.“My wife is an electrotechnical engineer and she throws that in my face every day.” More

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      Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd squad why all managers post-Fergie have failed with stars ‘blown away’ by ‘Mourinho 2.0’

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      RUBEN AMORIM believes Manchester United have failed because they have played in the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson – instead of in his spirit.The new Old Trafford boss has not been shy of making huge statements to players in his early training sessions this week.Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford were among Red Devils’ players knuckling down to training under Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyNew chief Amorim has impressed Man Utd stars with his ‘confidence’Credit: GettyWinger Antony is one of the aces hoping Amorim revives their fortunesCredit: GettyAmad Diallo shared a glowing verdict on Amorim via social mediaCredit: GettyIn a video released by United on Monday, Amorim, 39, drilled his stars who were not on international duty.But SunSport can reveal the players have been ‘blown away’ by his immediate impact with ‘Mourinho-style confidence’.Fergie left 11 years ago and a string of managers, including most-recently sacked Erik ten Hag, have not won the Premier League since.A source said: “He told them that top managers have not replicated Sir Alex’s success because they have lived in his shadow, rather than getting their team to play with his spirit.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL“Even before Monday’s first session, the players have been very impressed.“Then, after the sessions, they are blown away by his energy, approach and confidence.“There’s definite Mourinho vibes in the way he speaks and his self belief – but the style is his own.“The players think he’s very approachable and that he will understand them. Some of them are calling him Mourinho 2.0.”Most read in FootballUnited players have been told to be inspired not intimidated by the legendary 27-year reign of Sir Alex FergusonCredit: PA:Press AssociationFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim was mentored by ex-United boss Jose Mourinho and even had a week internship at Old Trafford with him in 2018, shortly before his two-year spell as manager came to an end.Portuguese boss Mourinho was also one of Amorim’s first calls when he was offered the United job with the original Special One telling him ‘to go for it’.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionThe source added: “He told the ones he’s seen so far that the talent in the squad is unbelievable – but they need to start playing as a team.”The new head coach met some players in the gym at Carrington last week, with others on holiday or with their national sides.But the likes of Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo were part of early drills in a new 3-4-3 shape and with a new style on Monday.Amorim is desperate to give United a new identity and stamp his mark on the team from day one – with his first game at Ipswich on Sunday.Amad Diallo, Antony, Rashford and Jonny Evans all uploaded glowing social media posts after their first sessions under the new head coach and his backroom team.Amorim also told players he likes a settled team – but they all have the chance to impress him on the training pitch.Portugal stars Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have been away on international duty but had already told their club team-mates they will be impressed and how good Amorim is in training.The former Sporting manager has been very affectionate with the players and told them it is only natural he will have pre-conceived ideas about them – but they have the time to change his minds.In his first interview, Amorim told fans they would have an idea immediately of how he wants his team to play.United are 13th with a zero goal difference – but only four points off Chelsea in third with the Prem returning on Saturday.And the stars on the training ground were left with no doubt on the shape and system he wants to play from the outset.Mainoo was singled out for tactical advice at CarringtonCredit: GettyAmorim has informed his squad he prefers a settled teamCredit: GettyThe source added: “One thing the players are going to have to learn fast is that it is imperative they stick to his system and principles.“He gets how they live, how they want to work and how to get the best out of them. ”“Because he’s only 39, he gets their fashion, their music and their feelings about the modern game.”Mainoo was given special treatment by ex-midfielder Amorim in the first session.The England star, 19, was getting instructions on where to receive the ball and spin into space.Antony was given a right wing-back role in training – but with Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho and Noussair Mazraoiu away, it is unlikely he will play there at Portman Road.Shaw is trying to regain fitness and he spent the 3-4-3 schooling to the left of Jonny Evans in the back three, with Yoro to the right.READ MORE SUN STORIESCasemiro and Mainoo were in midfield with Rashford up front. Mount and Amad slotted into the No10 roles behind the striker.The source added: “The players and club are energized. The other players will be anxious to get back to Carrington to prove themselves.” More

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      Mourinho was the first man Amorim called after Man Utd interest, now his first test is against another Jose disciple

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      WHEN Ruben Amorim and Kieran McKenna have a post-match chat at Portman Road on Sunday, they will have one ‘special’ thing in common.Two young managers, still in their 30s, who were schooled in the art under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho.Ruben Amorim called Jose Mourinho after receiving the interest from Manchester UnitedCredit: Twitter @Mourinho_XtraMourinho was also a mentor to Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKennaCredit: GettyThe man, who himself credits the great Sir Bobby Robson for his own rise to the very top, has never been averse to giving a helping hand to those who want to follow him up the ladder.Ask Brendan Rodgers and Andre Villas-Boas, who worked with Mourinho at Chelsea, or Aitor Karanka, his No.2 at Real Madrid.Sat in Lisbon a few months back plotting another victory to keep Sporting on the road to a potential third Portuguese title, Amorim got a call to be told of interest from Manchester United.After putting the phone down, the first person he contacted for advice was the man he describes as his ‘reference point’, Mourinho.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGiven how the self-proclaimed Special One had become the ‘redundant one’ thanks to United sacking him back in December 2018, in his third season in charge, you might have thought he would warn him off.Not a bit of it. ‘Go for it’ was the response from the ex-Red Devils boss, who won the Europa League and League Cup during his spell at Old Trafford.Mourinho knew Amorim, 39, had the ability to lift the red giant, which is not so much sleeping right now but waiting to come out of a coma.The now Fenerbahce boss said recently: “He has the conditions to be able to coach in any league and he has the conditions to be able to coach in any club.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMourinho soaked up every piece of knowledge he could under Sir Bobby, first as a translator at Sporting, Porto and Barcelona, and later when Robson brought him into the coaching set-up at the Catalan giants.When his playing days were behind him, Amorim turned his attentions to coaching and was always a student of the game, scrutinising the likes of Antonio Conte and Mourinho.A look at the build-up to Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Man Utd Amorim starred for Benfica as a player before going on to manage Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyAmorim’s first game in charge of Man United will be against Ipswich on SundayCredit: GettySix years ago, while doing a Masters degree in high-performance football coaching at the University of Lisbon, he got the chance of a week-long internship at United — where Mourinho was boss.He effectively shadowed Mourinho in the week leading up to the visit of Arsenal in April 2018, which would be Arsene Wenger’s last match at Old Trafford as Gunners boss.In that short time, Amorim learned every facet of how to be a top manager, even how to speak in a press conference, and he has already been compared to Mourinho in his media dealings… the ones when he turns on the charm at least.Amorim said: “The impact he had on my career was the way he treated me, he showed me that you can win everything and be a different person than you think.“He’s very experienced. In terms of my experience at Manchester, it was the only club where I did an internship.“He’s a special coach who opened doors for us.”That first door opened for Amorim in his native Portugal at third-tier Casa Pia, then Braga and on to Sporting, where his success in lifting two titles brought him to United’s attention.Ipswich boss McKenna, 38, was linked with the United job last summer when it looked like Erik ten Hag was on his way.He knows the club well and learned under Mourinho when he promoted him from the youth set-up at the club to become his assistant after long-time wingman Rui Faria left his side.McKenna’s United warningKIERAN MCKENNA has warned Manchester United Portman Road will be rocking on Sunday, writes Rob MaulPrem new-boys Ipswich bagged a first win of the season at Tottenham last time out to drag them out of the drop zone.They host the Red Devils for the first time since 2002  in new boss Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge.Tractor Boys chief  McKenna — a former United coach who was considered for the hotseat — said: “If you had felt the atmosphere at Portman Road this season, you’d know it’s been electric anyway.“So I don’t know if it can go up too much.”McKenna’s playing career was cut short at 22 due to an ongoing hip problem while at Spurs. But he remained there as a coach in their academy before making the switch to United.Mourinho spotted the talent in the coach and elevated him to the bench next to him in May 2018.McKenna said: “I’ve said before it was a privilege for me to come on to his coaching staff, he’s such an iconic figure for coaches of my generation.“It was a relatively short period, but it was great to work and learn from him. You can see why he’s been so successful in his career.”It was the fact Mourinho achieved his success without a great playing CV that made McKenna realise he could achieve his dreams.McKenna said: “The coaches that came before us, Brendan Rodgers, Mourinho, people of that ilk, went into management through different pathways.“They have laid the groundwork and shown what can be achieved by coaches from different backgrounds.”McKenna was often unfairly labelled as a weak link on the training ground when things started to go wrong under Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.But he quickly debunked that theory when Ipswich took a punt on him and he achieved successive promotions to get the Suffolk club back in the top flight for the first time since 2002.McKenna and Amorim face off in the Mourinho derby on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfterwards, when the pair share a drink, they will no doubt raise a glass to the man who helped them on their way.Someone who remains ‘special’ to them both. 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      Man Utd XI for last trip to Ipswich includes professional tennis player and star who retired at 45

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      MANCHESTER UNITED last faced Ipswich Town at Portman Road more than 20 years ago.But this Sunday Ruben Amorim gets his first taste of being United manager when they visit the Tractor Boys.Ruben Amorim is set for his first game in charge of Manchester United against Ipswich TownCredit: GettyThe Red Devils last played the Tractor Boys in the Premier League in 2002Credit: ReutersRoy Carroll was in goal for the Red DevilsCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe goalkeeper played his last game at the age of 45Credit: PacemakerThe Portuguese boss has replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat and got straight down to work in training.Amorim would love Sunday’s match to go the same way as the last league encounter between the clubs.That ended in a 1-0 away victory for United under Sir Alex Ferguson.Much has changed at the club since April 2002 – and obviously the starting XI.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHere is a look at the starting team from that match and what those players are up to…Roy CarrollIn goal for United was the Northern Irish stopper Carroll.He stayed at Old Trafford until 2005 and went on to have stints at West Ham, Rangers and Derby County.He continued his career abroad as he played for Danish outfit Odense Boldklub and Greek sides OFL and Olympiacos.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarroll returned to England in 2014 with Notts County and continued his career right up until 2021.However, he made a shock return to playing in 2023 – aged 45 – as he came out of retirement to play for Ballinamallard United in Northern Ireland.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsPhil NevillePhil Neville started in the defence for United against Ipswich in 2002Credit: GettyHe is now the manager of Portland TimbersCredit: APNeville started the match against the Tractor Boys at left-back.The defender also stayed at the club until 2005, when he left for Everton.Neville was at the Toffees up until he retired in 2013 and moved into coaching roles at United and Valencia.In 2018, he was named the manager of the England Women’s team, stepping down in 2021.He then had a stint as the head coach of Canada and is now in charge of the MLS outfit Portland Timbers.Wes BrownWes Brown had established himself in the Red Devils squad by 2002Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe former defender declared bankruptcy in 2023Credit: GettyBrown was one of the two centre-backs in a defence that kept a clean sheet.He stayed at United until 2011 and went on to have spells at Sunderland, Blackburn and Indian side Kerala Blasters.The Englishman retired in 2018 and started a car firm.In 2023, he was declared bankrupt despite his £50,000-per-week wage during his career.John O’SheaJohn O’Shea played 394 times for Man UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now the assistant manager of the Republic of IrelandCredit: AlamyO’Shea partnered Brown in the heart of the defence.The Irishman also left the club in 2011 as he joined Brown at Sunderland.He stayed at the club until 2018 after suffering back-to-back relegations to League One.He retired in 2019 after a year with Reading and has most recently been the caretaker manager and assistant boss of the Republic of Ireland.Denis IrwinIrwin retired two years after the clash at Portman RoadCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe went on to work in the mediaCredit: SportsfileIrwin was coming to the end of his playing days when he lined up against Ipswich.He retired in 2004 after a two-year spell at Wolves.After hanging up his boots, the Irishman moved into the media and started working as a presenter for MUTV.He has gone on to become a columnist at Ireland’s Sunday World newspaper and a contributor to RTE.Nicky ButtNicky Butt played in the midfield that dayCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe was part of the group that invested in Salford CityCredit: PAButt was in the engine room against Ipswich.He stayed at United until 2004 then enjoyed a good spell at Newcastle until 2010.He retired in 2011 after playing for Hong Kong outfit South China.He most recently was CEO at Salford City but stepped down in October.Butt was one of the United legends that invested in Salford back in 2014.Michael StewartMichael Stewart only made seven league appearances for the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now working in the media after a failed bid in politicsCredit: Kenny RamsayScotsman Stewart made one of his handful of Premier League appearances for United in this match.The midfielder left the club in 2005, having only made 14 appearances in all competitions.He spent the majority of his career in Scotland with Hibernian and Hearts of Midlothian.He ended his playing days back in England with Charlton Athletic in 2011.After retiring, Stewart entered politics as attempted to become the SNP candidate for Edinburgh West at the 2015 General Election but failed to win the party’s nomination.He has since worked as a pundit for BBC Scotland and for the Scottish Sun.Luke ChadwickLuke Chadwick was another piece in the midfield against IpswichCredit: Getty – ContributorHe has also worked in club mediaCredit: GettyChadwick was another part of Ferguson’s midfield.He left United in 2004 and continued playing until 2016.The midfielder had stints at clubs such as West Ham, Stoke City, Norwich City, MK Dons, and Cambridge Town before his final club Soham Town Rangers.He was most recently the Director of The Football Fun Factory, which is a coach provider, and he runs his own branch.Roy KeaneRoy Keane was one of the biggest stars at the club at the timeCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe is now a star pundit on Sky SportsCredit: GettyKeane was the final midfielder in the team at Portman Road.He controversially left United in 2005 for a single season at Celtic before retiring from playing.Keane then tried his hand at management with stints at Sunderland and Ipswich Town.He also coached under Martin O’Neill at the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest.He has now become a fan-favourite pundit on Sky Sports with fans often hailing his analysis.Keane recently praised future son-in-law Taylor Harwood-Bellis after he scored on his England debut.Diego ForlanDiego Forlan struggled during his two years at Man UnitedCredit: ReutersHe has recently become a tennis playerCredit: EPAForlan, was one of two strikers to start the match, has possibly had the biggest career shift.The Uruguayan forward struggled to show his best form during his two-year spell at the Red Devils.He left in 2004 and went on to become one of the best in Europe during his stint at LaLiga sides Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.He retired from football in 2018, but that did not end his sporting career.Earlier this month, he was the wildcard entry into the 2024 Uruguay Open main doubles draw.However, he and his partner, Argentine Federico Coria, were beaten in straight sets.Ruud van NistelrooyRuud van Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich TownCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe was recently the interim coach at Man UnitedCredit: PAVan Nistelrooy was the match-winner against Ipswich with his 45th-minute goal.The Dutchman was one of the most prolific strikers during his time in the Premier League.He left Old Trafford in 2006 for Real Madrid and ended his career in 2012 at Malaga.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former striker has since turned to coaching and was the interim boss at United following Erik ten Hag’s sacking.He won three of four games during his unbeaten time in charge of the club before he was axed by Amorim. 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      Which Manchester United players will flourish in Dream Team under Ruben Amorim’s watch?

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      THE wait is over.Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game as Manchester United head coach this Sunday when he leads his troops to face Ipswich at Portman Road.Fans of the Red Devils and neutrals alike will be intrigued to see how the Portuguese tactician fares in his first managerial outing on English shores but what should Dream Team managers expect going forward?It’s all eyes on Amorim in Gameweek 12Credit: Dream TeamErik ten Hag’s version of this Man United side was flawed in many ways but several players have thrived in Dream Team across the first eleven Gameweeks of the season.Andre Onana (£4m), Noussair Mazraoui (£3.8m), Diogo Dalot (£4.2m), Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) and Alejandro Garnacho (£4.1m) are all among the top seven assets in their respective positions at the time of writing.But which players will flourish under Amorim’s watch?The former Sporting CP coach is likely to employ his preferred 3-4-3 formation, making use of wing-backs.If Mazraoui is deployed as the right wing-back then there’s every chance that will lead to increased attacking returns for the 27-year-old.Mazraoui has impressed since his transfer to Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe Morocco international has racked up a whopping 91 points already this season via five clean sheets and an unmatched tally (in his position) of 55 tackles, not to mention 13 bonus points.Add in more time in the final third with greater attacking responsibilities and he could go to another level.Most read in FootballMazraoui is seemingly a lock at right wing-back but it will be interesting to see who fulfils the role on the opposite flank in the long run.Dalot will be hopeful of a spot in his compatriot’s starting XI but it will be interesting to see whether Amorim eventually opts to convert one of the squad’s wingers into a wing-back.It’s not unthinkable, for example, that Garnacho might get some minutes in the role in the near future.Many fans are eager to see what role Garnacho will fulfil under AmorimCredit: AlamySuch a move would mean more defensive duties for the Argentine youngster and perhaps a reduced goal threat, which would negatively impact his Dream Team viability.However, if Amorim considers Garnacho worthy of a regular starting spot in his front three there could be plenty of points on offer.Only superstar forwards Erling Haaland (£8.6m) and Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) have registered more shots on target than Garnacho so far this season; Amorim will surely want to maintain that level of threat in the final third throughout his first few weeks as Old Trafford boss at the very least.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWClub captain Fernandes is currently Dream Team’s most in-form player having plundered 61 points across the last three Gameweeks!The Portugal international generally operates best as a central advanced playmaker but such a role doesn’t really exist in Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.With the wing-backs encouraged to offer width high up the pitch, the two central midfielders are generally more combative types, tasked with recovering the ball and playing through the middle third.The long-term vision probably features Kobbie Mainoo (£3.1m) and Manuel Ugarte (£2.8m) as partners in the middle of the park.This would result in Fernandes being deployed in the front three but in what capacity remains to be seen.It may be that he’s given a partial free role to create in more familiar areas, with a slight preference for the half-space closer to the right flank.Broadly speaking, the 30-year-old should be one of the main beneficiaries if Amorim is able to spark improvements across the board – his individual creative output is up there with the best players in Europe in recent years.Dream Team’s form playerCredit: ReutersOne player Man United fans will desperately be hoping ascends to another level under the new regime is Rasmus Hojlund (£3.9m).Viktor Gyokeres’ widely-heralded form up front was the defining aspect of Amorim’s successful Sporting side.The former Coventry striker has scored 66 goals in 68 games since his transfer to the Portuguese giants, including a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City a few days before the international break.READ MORE SUN STORIESNobody is expecting Hojlund to suddenly morph into one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers but if Amorim is able to mould United into a dynamic attacking force then more and more Dream Team bosses will surely be tempted by the Danish focal point leading the line.Injury problems may scupper some plans in Gameweek 12 but Amorin’s hand will be revealed to some extent and gaffers should pay careful attention.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. 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